Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system including an upper shell, lower shell, and an articulation system. The upper and lower shell function to enable a user to move their encased foot in various dimensions/orientations corresponding to anatomical supination, pronation, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion. The articulation system selectively affects the articulation freedom between the upper and lower shells in locked and unlocked configurations. The articulation system includes a lower shell coupler and an upper shell coupler coupled to the lower and upper shells, respectively. The locked configuration of the articulation system includes engaging the upper and lower shell couplers to restrict freedom between the upper and lower shell. The lower shell coupler is coupled within a recess in the lower shell that substantially restricts movement to a single orientation corresponding to coronal rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for damping the impact and rebound forces associated with the use of elongated poles. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a supportive pole system including an elongated shaft, hand receiving member, tip, and force absorbing system. The force absorbing system includes a damping member externally disposed on the elongated shaft between the elongated shaft and either the hand receiving member or the tip. The damping member includes an elastic material such as elastomer that rebounds in response to a compression force. The damping member may include a plurality of stages configured to include independent damping force response characteristics. The force absorbing system may further include a rebound air dampener within the hand receiving member for controlling the rebound force characteristics of the damping member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system with a modular binding interface. The system includes a shell encasing a user's foot and lower leg. A first and second block are interchangeably coupled to the shell below the base to effectuate alternative binding interfaces. The first and second blocks include a binding interface surface and a sole surface. The positioning and shape of the blocks with respect to the shell results in the binding interface surface extending distally from the toe region of the shell and the sole surface being the lowest surface on the boot system. The binding interface surfaces for each block are positioned at different sagittal heights with respect to the shell to facilitate the interconnection with alternative binding coupling systems. The sole surfaces for each block are positioned at substantially identical sagittal heights with respect to the shell to maintain optimum and consistent performance characteristics among different bindings.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatically locking carabiner system including a frame, a gate, a gate biasing system, and a gate locking system. The frame and gate form a continuously enclosed inner region in a closed configuration with respect to the frame. When in an engaged state, the gate locking system is configured to automatically lock the gate in the closed configuration with respect to the frame. The gate locking system may include a trigger coupled to the frame such that the position of the trigger corresponds to the state of the gate locking system. The trigger may be positioned on an opposite side of the frame from the gate with respect to the inner region. The force required to disengage the gate locking system may be substantially opposite that which is required to transition the gate to the open configuration with respect to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carrying systems including packs and bags. One embodiment of the present invention is directed at a carrying system that includes a snow breathing apparatus. The system includes a carrying cavity, an attachment system, and a snow breathing apparatus. The carrying cavity is a partially enclosed region that is capable of storing items for transportation. The carrying cavity may further include a shell, a lid, a sealing system, a compression system, etc. The attachment system is coupled to an external surface of the carrying cavity to facilitate a removable coupling between the carrying cavity and a user. The attachment system may include two arm straps, a shoulder strap, a hip belt, a belt receiver, etc. The snow breathing apparatus is a device that enables breathing in a snow encapsulated breathing space in which breathing may otherwise be restricted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for use in relation to an articulation region of a boot. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boot with a dorsal metatarsal articulation region that allows for articulation in the sagittal plane such as a telemark ski boot. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemark ski boot, including a shell, an articulation region, and an articulation support system. The articulation support system includes at least one tensile rigid region extending transversely between the proximal and distal sides of the articulation region. The tensile rigid region impedes rotation of the rear portion of the shell about the toe portion in a frontal plane. This form of rotation is often referred to as torsional rotation. The articulation support system may include one or more of a cable, an integrated shell portion, a material mesh, and/or other tensile rigid components which maintain bending flexibility.

Abstract: A portable snow shovel that includes a unique collapsible mechanism. One embodiment of the shovel includes both an expanded and collapsed state. The shovel includes a blade member and an elongated shaft member. The elongated shaft member is slidably engaged to the blade member through a recess that extends through the blade member. The elongated shaft member is able to translate with respect to the blade member between the extended and collapsed states. The collapsed state relates to a configuration in which the elongated shaft member is extended through the recess and over the blade member a particular amount. The extended state relates to a configuration in which the elongated shaft member is extended through the recess and away from the blade member a particular amount.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system including an upper shell, lower shell, and an articulation system. The upper and lower shell function to enable a user to move their encased foot in various dimensions/orientations corresponding to anatomical supination, pronation, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion. The articulation system selectively affects the articulation freedom between the upper and lower shells in locked and unlocked configurations. The articulation system includes a lower shell coupler and an upper shell coupler coupled to the lower and upper shells, respectively. The locked configuration of the articulation system includes engaging the upper and lower shell couplers to restrict freedom between the upper and lower shell. The lower shell coupler is coupled within a recess in the lower shell that substantially restricts movement to a single orientation corresponding to coronal rotation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system with a modular binding interface. The system includes a shell encasing a user's foot and lower leg. A first and second block are interchangeably coupled to the shell below the base to effectuate alternative binding interfaces. The first and second blocks include a binding interface surface and a sole surface. The positioning and shape of the blocks with respect to the shell results in the binding interface surface extending distally from the toe region of the shell and the sole surface being the lowest surface on the boot system. The binding interface surfaces for each block are positioned at different sagittal heights with respect to the shell to facilitate the interconnection with alternative binding coupling systems. The sole surfaces for each block are positioned at substantially identical sagittal heights with respect to the shell to maintain optimum and consistent performance characteristics among different bindings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for use in relation to an articulation region of a boot. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boot with a dorsal metatarsal articulation region that allows for articulation in the sagittal plane such as a telemark ski boot. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemark ski boot, including a shell, an articulation region, and an articulation support system. The articulation support system includes at least one tensile rigid region extending transversely between the proximal and distal sides of the articulation region. The tensile rigid region impedes rotation of the rear portion of the shell about the toe portion in a frontal plane. This form of rotation is often referred to as torsional rotation. The articulation support system may include one or more of a cable, an integrated shell portion, a material mesh, and/or other tensile rigid components which maintain bending flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telemark ski boot system configured to enable efficient releasable rotatable coupling to a ski binding at a pivot location corresponding to the metatarsal region. One embodiment of the present invention related to a telemark ski boot system including a shell, a sole, and a binding interface system. The sole is coupled anatomically below the shell and includes a bottom sole surface defining the bottom most portion of the boot. The binding interface system is contained between the shell and bottom of the bottom sole surface and horizontally below the metatarsal region of the boot. In addition, the binding interface system is contained within the two dimensional footprint of the boot. Alternatively or in addition, the binding interface system is contained within the three dimensional space of the shell and sole. The binding interface system may be a rigid cleat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatically locking carabiner system including a frame, a gate, a gate biasing system, and a gate locking system. The frame and gate form a continuously enclosed inner region in a closed configuration with respect to the frame. When in an engaged state, the gate locking system is configured to automatically lock the gate in the closed configuration with respect to the frame. The gate locking system may include a trigger coupled to the frame such that the position of the trigger corresponds to the state of the gate locking system. The trigger may be positioned on an opposite side of the frame from the gate with respect to the inner region. The force required to disengage the gate locking system may be substantially opposite that which is required to transition the gate to the open configuration with respect to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for damping the impact and rebound forces associated with the use of elongated poles. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a supportive pole system including an elongated shaft, hand receiving member, tip, and force absorbing system. The force absorbing system includes a damping member externally disposed on the elongated shaft between the elongated shaft and either the hand receiving member or the tip. The damping member includes an elastic material such as elastomer that rebounds in response to a compression force. The damping member may include a plurality of stages configured to include independent damping force response characteristics. The force absorbing system may further include a rebound air dampener within the hand receiving member for controlling the rebound force characteristics of the damping member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telemark ski boot system configured to enable efficient releasable rotatable coupling to a ski binding at a pivot location corresponding to the metatarsal region. One embodiment of the present invention related to a telemark ski boot system including a shell, a sole, and a binding interface system. The sole is coupled anatomically below the shell and includes a bottom sole surface defining the bottom most portion of the boot. The binding interface system is contained between the shell and bottom of the bottom sole surface and horizontally below the metatarsal region of the boot. In addition, the binding interface system is contained within the two dimensional footprint of the boot. Alternatively or in addition, the binding interface system is contained within the three dimensional space of the shell and sole. The binding interface system may be a rigid cleat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.